Leeds youngster set for very important role under Marcelo Bielsa

Jamie Shackleton (54) of Leeds United during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Oxford United and Leeds United at the Kassam Stadium, Oxford, England on 24 July 2018. Picture by Graham Hunt.

Jamie Shackleton was known to many fans at Leeds United before last night, even before the summer, but nobody realised how much Marcelo Bielsa would take a liking to him. The youngster was sent on as the first Leeds United substitute last night and was given a key role in the high-press and possession game.

Shackleton is a winger, although you may not have thought that had you been a neutral watching the Leeds games since Marcelo Bielsa took over. So far under Marcelo Bielsa he’s played right-back, right wing-back and as both a central and attacking midfielder, and he’s only started three games. With the injury to Stuart Dallas it’s left the door open for a young player and clearly Shackleton is seen as a player who can play in various positions.

https://twitter.com/jamieshackk/status/1028368569053204482

Leeds have a lack of options all over the pitch at the moment. The central area is a huge issue and although Shackleton came on the park at 4-1 to Leeds it was all about game management. He kept the ball well and made sure the press that had destroyed Derby County was kept well high. He looked so comfortable on the ball and that’s the same as his performances through pre-season.

He’s extremely quick and nippy, the ball sticks to his feet and he can go past players, all things that Leeds United fans love. He will have a very important role to play this season because Bielsa sees him as a utility player, some areas of the park aren’t going to be covered by back-up, they will covered by the likes of Stuart Dallas and Jamie Shackleton. A bright future ahead.